PHYSICS
Physics is the study of the most fundamental aspects of the world and universe we live in. Ultimately, it forms the foundations of every other scientific field. A Level Outline King Edward VI follows the OCR Physics B (Advancing Physics) course
Year 1
Originally developed in conjunction with the Institute of Physics, this course embraces some of the new and exciting applications of Physics, while providing a sound footing in the main areas, which will underpin any study of Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics at higher education level.
During the first year, students study the fundamental aspects of Physics. This is a good way to help students adapt to the increased demands of A Level study as well as new areas of study including Quantum Physics. Students will recognise links with these exciting new areas and their previous studies at IGCSE level. Students will also learn how to model the motion of objects according to Newton’s laws, a skill that could be applied to areas as diverse as computer game design to climate study.
In addition, according to a Russell Group study, Physics is one of the top A Levels that keeps more doors open to a variety of degree subjects. It is therefore an ideal choice for those still uncertain as to future degree study.
Physics in Action and Understanding Processes
Development of practical and data analysis skills
Year 2
Physics is a practical subject and thus gives students many opportunities to develop the fundamental skills needed to collect and analyse empirical data. Students practise handling and analysing a wide variety of data, including those they have collected themselves in the laboratory. Students work independently to design and undertake their own practical experimental investigation.
Students will encounter some of the ground-breaking work done by some of the world’s most famous scientists. Newton’s universal law of gravitation is covered in detail, and Einstein’s work on special relativity is covered including counter-intuitive consequences such as time dilation.
These skills are essential for any future study or career in science, but such transferrable skills of data analysis are highly sought after and can be applied to many disciplines. Curriculum trips and other activities The course includes visits to University of Southampton and the opportunity to go to CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, to tour the facilities of the Large Hadron Collider. We also have many students who compete successfully in the British Physics Olympiad.
Rise and Fall of the Clockwork Universe and Field and Particle Physics
Final areas covered include the fascinating world of electro-magnetism, which underpins much of modern life, from electricity generation and transmission to mobile phones. Along with the areas of radioactivity and particle Physics, illustrating how successive models have been refined over the past 120 years to give us the understanding we have today. Students learn how to model physical phenomena using simple mathematical models, skills which could be applied to areas such as finance or preventing the spread of disease.
Head of Department: Mr RS Simm - rss@kes.hants.sch.uk
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